BANGOR — A walk through downtown can be a dangerous and frustrating experience.
The Bangor Police Department is working to change that.
Stepped up enforcement of crosswalk regulations should make the city more friendly for pedestrians.
Under state law, motorists must yield to pedestrians who have entered a crosswalk on the same side of the road as they are driving.
Failure to do so carries a $110 price tag if you’re caught.
For several months, the police department has been issuing verbal warnings to errant motorists.
Within the last month the department further stepped up enforcement and is issuing tickets to motorized offenders.
“The time has come … to start issuing tickets,” said Lt. Don Winslow.
He said 10 to 12 tickets have been issued in the past two weeks.
The police department hopes to improve public safety, Winslow said. There have been a number of near misses and a few accidents involving pedestrians, he said. He said the department also has received a number of complaints from citizens about the hazards of attempting to cross downtown streets.
Although Bangor doesn’t have more accidents involving pedestrians than other cities of comparable size, Winslow said the city wanted to take a proactive approach.
To further alleviate the problem, the city also has repainted crosswalks and put up additional signs warning motorists of upcoming crosswalks.
All the responsibility for pedestrian safety does not reside with motorists however. At intersections governed by a stop light, pedestrians still must obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” lights.
Pedestrians who dart in front of cars in the middle of blocks without crosswalks could be the next target. Phase two of Bangor’s public safety push could be to cut down on jaywalking, Winslow said.
That offense carries a $55 fine.
While supporting enforcement of the law, Mayor Don Soucy does think the fine is a bit steep.
“I feel bad to see someone get whacked for $110 bucks,” he said.
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